R-E-S-P-E-C-T is one of the five values the women artisans have chosen to live by, and they have expanded the concept far beyond the respect for tradition that they learned as children and which often held them back. For both MarketPlace and the artisans, respect is more than an ordinary part of the workplace. MarketPlace respects the artisans' abilities and strengths enough to challenge them to do things beyond what many would dare dream of. In turn, the women take on challenges - and crush them! Their accomplishments include running their own cooperatives, creating embroidery designs, and participating in paralegal training.

Respect embraces their lives fully, beyond the workplace. With the help of educational, self-awareness and social justice programs, the artisans have gained self-assurance and self-respect. Their confidence naturally commands respect from others, and they are able to demand that they, their opinions and decisions matter. The artisans' involvement in social activism on behalf of their community has made them role models and mentors to family and neighbors.
Respect also applies to the origins of the fabrics. From the very beginning we have used block and batik hand printing, Kalamkari and hand-woven ikat, which give MarketPlace items a distinctive look, appeal and status. While respecting these age-old practices, we have also innovated, combining techniques, using non-traditional tools, fresh colors and designs. In this way we respect both the fabric traditions and the artisans themselves, with expanded opportunities and interest in their craft.
Many of India's traditional rules of "respect" restrict women: respect for elders means not expressing her views in front of them; respect for her husband means not earning her own money and not having her own opinions; respect for in-laws means doing exactly what they say. At MarketPlace, we are proud and pleased that the artisans have reclaimed the word "respect" as empowerment to be supported and admired.

Sincerely,
Pushpika Freitas
President

OUR MISSION

When you purchase and enjoy a MarketPlace product, you become an integral part of an innovative program of social change. Successfully running their own businesses gives the artisans in India the opportunity to forge a new, better future for themselves, their families and even their communities. They are proud to offer you a collection of unique yet versatile products characterized by beautiful traditional hand-dyed fabrics and hand embroidery.